In the United States, the 50s were a time of growth in the national economy, despite six recessions. Social conditions also experienced rapid change during this time. This was particularly true when it came to race relations. Before the 50s, basketball teams consisted only of white men, because of the inequalities African-Americans had to face. Fortunately, this decade changed everything and helped to shape the NBA to that we all know, interested in talent and skill not in the color of the players’ skin.
NBA Championship
The 1950-51 NBA season was the first under the National Basketball Association name. The creation of the NBA took place a few years earlier but 1950 was the year that the franchise was officially born.
How many teams were in the NBA in 1950?
At the beginning of the decade, eleven teams were divided into two divisions. Western Division consisted of the Minneapolis Lakers, Rochester Royals, Fort Wayne Pistons, Indianapolis Olympians and Tri-Cities Blackhawks. Eastern Division included the Philadelphia Warriors, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Syracuse Nationals, Baltimore Bullets and Washington Capitals.
Unpredictable NBA Finals
The NBA Finals became a great spectacle. The teams were very competitive and the outcome was unpredictable. For almost a whole decade, teams went head to head, letting just their seventh match decide their faith. Most dramatic were the final games of the New York Knick who got to the finals three times, but never got the win. The entire decade was dominated by two teams, the Minneapolis Lakers and the Boston Celtics.
How did the NBA All-Star Game Come To Be?
The 50s were also the time in which All-Star Games were introduced. It was at first to regain public trust after the college basketball scandal, but soon became one of the biggest events of the year. All-Star Players were chosen to participate by sportswriters into two teams, East and West. Being chosen to The Star team was great publicity and even greater honour.
Who was the first African American player in the NBA in 1950?
Wind of change was blowing, as the first African-American’s were allowed to play. Here are teams that managed to recruit the first non-white players.
Washington Capitals
The Washington Capitals were the first NBA team ever to include a black player in their game. On October 31th, 1950, the floors of the court were honoured to welcome Earl Lloyd.
Ultimately, Washington Capitals lost to the Rochester Royals, but this game can be depicted as a groundbreaking moment, which moulded the NBA in a different way.
Boston Celtics
Only one day after Capitol’s game, the Boston Celtics showed off their new player, Chuck Cooper. Cooper was the first-ever African-American player to be drafted into the NBA and the second to play in an NBA game.
The Fort Wayne Pistons won this game but the ultimate victory belonged to the Boston Celtics since they acquired such a great player as Cooper.
New York Knicks
On November 4th 1950, Nat “Sweetwater ” Clifton debuted with the New York Knicks as the third Afro-American player to join the NBA. Tri-Cities Black Hawks won this match, but the choice to draft Clifton turned out fruitful anyway. In his first season, Sweetwater helped the New York Knicks go all the way to the NBA Finals.
Most Valuable Player Award
In the 1955-1956 season, the Most Valuable Player Award was introduced. MVP was chosen by a vote of his fellow NBA players. The first player who was voted MVP was Bob Pettit, next year followed by Bob Cousy, and consecutive year Bob Russel. In 1959 Bob Pettit was awarded MVP second time.
Who Were the Best Players of the 50s?
Besides the names mentioned above, many other players excelled in basketball in the 50s. However, three superstars managed to be the face of the NBA during that decade.
George Mikan
First name, which comes to mind when thinking of 50s’ talents in George Mikan. Mikan was a big man and an absolute star for the Minneapolis Lakers, who dominated the scoreboards. He was such a threat, that the officials had to introduce a new rule, known as a “Mikan Rule” which forbids goaltending.
Paul Arizin
Arizin played with the Philadelphia Warriors from 1950 to 159, so it’s safe to say that this player is the embodiment of the NBA in the ’50s. He retired with the highest points per game average.
Dolph Schayes
Adolph Schayes was a scoring leader and a great talent. He led the Syracuse Nationals to the finals which they ended up winning in 1955. He had the league scoring title for free throws and at the dawn of the 50s, he amassed over 15,000 career points (retiring with over 30,000).
The Starting Line
The 50s set a good starting point for changes that were about to come. It was the time when the NBA had just been formed and was still finding its place in society. The league wasn’t yet well established, but it did give birth to some great athletes who would go on to become superstars of their generation. The game itself grew immensely during the 50s, with teams expanding, new rules being introduced and the new wave of talent entering the league.
Who won the NBA championships in the 1950?
Los Angeles Lakers.
Who was the first African American player in the NBA in 1950?
Earl Lloyd made history on October 31, 1950, when he became the first African American player in an NBA game.
Who was the best basketball player in the 50s?
Neil Johnston’s basketball career came to an end before he turned 30, but not before making a name for himself. In his six years as a productive player, Johnston was named an All-Star six times and selected for the All-NBA First Team four times. He also won the scoring title three times and led the league in rebounding once.
